Press Releases
Second Meeting of the Japan-U.S. Working Group on Deep-Sea Mineral Resource Development and Release of the Joint Statement on Japan-U.S. Seabed Mineral Resource Development
On November 11 and 12, the second meeting of the Japan-U.S. Working Group on Deep-Sea Mineral Resource Development was held in Toyama, Japan, with participation from relevant government ministries, agencies, and organizations from both Japan and the United States.
On the occasion of the Working Group, both Governments issued the Joint Statement on Japan-U.S. Seabed Mineral Resource Development.
The overview of the Joint Statement is as follows:
- Industrial cooperation and strengthening supply chains The Governments of Japan and the United States will deepen engagement with industry stakeholders, foster trusted commercial partnerships and secure processing capacities.
- Cooperation on exploration and technology development The two Governments will exchange information and best practices on items such as deep-sea exploration, seabed mapping, resource characterization, environmental assessment and monitoring, and advance joint research and technology demonstrations including by utilizing vessels and autonomous underwater vehicles.
- Cooperation on regulatory framework to promote private sector investment The two Governments will facilitate regulatory exchanges related to best practices, and facilitate private investment in the seabed mineral resource sector through clear and predictable regulatory approaches.
- Seek additional partnerships The two Governments will seek additional partnerships to advance responsible seabed mineral resource development by mobilizing their scientific, technological, industrial, diplomatic, and financial strengths.
(Reference1) Attachment
(Reference2) Japan-U.S. Working Group on Deep-Sea Mineral Resource Development
The Working Group was established based on the Memorandum of Cooperation Regarding Deep-Sea Mineral Resource Development signed between the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry of Japan and the Department of the United States on the occasion of the Japan-U.S. Summit Meeting in March 2026. The first Working Group meeting was held online in September of the same year.